Evolution of breastfeeding in the population attending the Mendillorri Health Centre

Abstract

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, and how this has varied in the population attending the Mendilorri Health Centre between the years 2002 and 2006. We studied two cohorts of neonates (born in 2002 and 2006, respectively), who attended our centre, through a revision of their computerised clinical history. The prevalence figures of the different lactation categories were compared, with a monthly periodicity from the time of maternity discharge until the first year of life. Home visits by nurses were also registered where these occurred. The conclusion drawn from the results is that the panorama of maternal lactation has changed substantially in this area following hospital discharge; the results show that the prevalence figures over the first year of life are significantly higher in 2006 compared with 2002.